Guideposts Trust has launched a new skills academy with nationally approved Life Skills qualifications aimed specifically at adults with learning disabilities.
Courses are to GCSE-level and accredited by ASDAN, an education charity that promotes personal, social, and employability skills among learners of all ages, empowering them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
The first cohort of students recently graduated from a cookery skills course, which was designed to equip participants with valuable skills in meal preparation, budgeting, shopping, and healthy eating. The course covers both basic and advanced cooking techniques, focusing on hands-on learning experiences that helps with personal growth. Participants learn how to comprehend recipes, measure ingredients, and cook healthy meals from scratch while also developing critical life skills such as time management and problem-solving.
Many of the participants started struggling to cook a jacket potato and graduated being able to cook a healthy vegetable Rogan Josh curry made from scratch, not a cook-in sauce in sight.
This initiative aims to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to acquire essential life skills while enhancing their confidence and independence.
Sharon Baker, Support Worker at Guideposts Trust said: “Our courses are tailored to meet the different needs of individual adults with learning disabilities, ensuring that each participant receives the help and advice suited for them,” said “We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, and we are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment where adults with learning disabilities can thrive.”
The Guideposts Skills Academy has launched through Guideposts’ Community Hub in Stroud, and, thanks to funding from Barnwood Trust, will be expanding across Gloucestershire, in Cheltenham and Cirencester this year. New courses will include creative living, and relationships, self-esteem and identity.
Since its foundation over 50 years ago, Guideposts says it has recognised how much people’s lives are improved by learning skills for independent living and the confidence that these skills bring. Guideposts’ day opportunities for adults with disabilities has always included activities to help develop these skills, but they decided to bring in courses to formalise the work, and to ensure that people get the due recognition for what they have learned.
